Pericardial Disease

Question 1

Definition of pericarditis

Answer 1

• inflammation of the pericardium

- may result in pericardial effusion +/- cardiac tamponade

Question 2

Causes of pericarditis (6)

Answer 2

1. Infectious agents - viral, bacterial, tuberculosis
2. Post-MI
3. Post-operative pericarditis
4. Malignant metastases
5. Uremic pericarditis
6. Immune-mediated pericarditis

Question 3

Types of acute pericarditis (5)

Answer 3

1. Serous pericarditis
   - non infectious inflammatory diseases eg uremic
2. Fibrinous pericarditis
   - MI, rheumatic fever
   - fibrin deposition, increased friction, rub on auscultation is more pronounced
3. Suppurative pericarditis
   - infection
4. Hemorrhagic pericarditis
   - direct spread or metastatic malignant neoplasm
5. Caseous pericarditis
   - TB

Question 4

Types of chronic pericarditis (2)

Answer 4

1. Adhesive pericarditis
   - infectious, post cardiac surgery
   - fibrosis, causing adhesions w neighbouring structures, affects heart fn
2. Constrictive pericarditis
   - firm, fibrous hard pericardium w restrictive action of the heart
   - instead of smooth single layered mesothelium